Video: Obama vows to close loopholes, but guns still untouchable in US

Despite US President Barack Obama’s emotional plea for stricter controls on buying firearms on Tuesday and his pledge to close existing loopholes through executive actions, US citizens say they remain strongly attached to gun ownership.

Only hours after Obama’s speech, Ryan Granato filled out a form to rent a firearm at a gun shop and shooting range in the state of Virginia. He believes firing deadly weapons is a “fun and safe” hobby “when you follow the rules”.

Granato, 21, is not against Obama’s push to close loopholes that in the past have allowed people with criminal records or mental health problems to purchase guns, but he defends the right to bear arms as guaranteed by the US Constitution.

Meanwhile, the senior salesman at the shop where Granato is completing his rental said he expected gun sales to rise in the wake of Obama’s announcement.

“When someone says you can't have something, people are going to wake up and go looking for it,” he said.

To watch FRANCE 24’s full report on gun ownership in the US, click on the player above.